The Gator Gazette

Welcome back! We wanted to go ahead and provide you with some updates, as there is a lot going on this week. As a reminder, students start back this Friday (8/7). There's a lot of content here, but it should include everything you need to know as we start back. Here is what you can expect to find in this edition of the Gator Gazette:

- This week's menu

- A message from the Principal

- Online student registration

- School Supply List

- The GBES and CCPSD Student Handbooks

- Back to School Bash information

- Open House information

- First Day of School information

- Transportation rules and procedures

- Parent video regarding school threats

- Information from Tri-Area Health

- Calendar of upcoming events

Have some feedback for us? Feel free to drop us a line using the feedback link at the bottom of the page.

Sincerely,

Ryan Newberry

GBES Principal

Please note that parents of all returning students are required to complete the online registration form. The link for this can be found on the county website (www.ccpsd.k12.va.us). Assistance will be provided at the Back to School Bash, as well as in the Technology Lab at GBES from 12:00 - 6:00 on Wednesday, August 5th during Open House. If you have questions, please call the office at (276)398-2493.

The Back to School Bash will be held on Tuesday, August 4th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Carroll County High School. There will be music, food, free school supplies, and more! Please note that parking is limited, and shuttle busses will run every 15 minutes from the VFW. Our staff will be giving away free popcorn! We hope to see you there.

Open House will be held Wednesday, August 5th from 12:00 - 6:00. Come meet your child's teacher for this year! If you have a conflict during these hours, just give us a call and we will work out a time for you to stop by. We will have assistance available in the Technology Lab for those that need help with online registration. You may also pay your child's $5 instruction fee during this time.

School officially reopens on Friday, August 7th! Please note that only PK and Kindergarten parents may walk their child to the classroom on this day. If you choose to do this, please use a parking spot and do not park in the drop-off line. We will spend the day getting to know our students, as well as teaching and practicing basic classroom and building expectations and procedures. We are so excited to have you back!

• Drop-off begins at 7:45; no students should be dropped off before this time
• Parent pickup begins at 3:15. In order to ensure access for emergency vehicles, no cars should be parked in the car rider line until 2:45. You are welcome to park in a parking spot and wait if you are early.
• Parents must display a car rider pass in clear view of staff during parent pickup. You may get these from your child's teacher during open house. You can call the office at any time for extra copies.
• To assist with bus behavior, we have new county-wide bus safety rules (see image below), as well as a bus contract that must be signed. This needs to be signed by car riders as well in preparation for field trips. Please remember that bus transportation is a privilege, and may be revoked if violations to the student code of conduct occur.

This year, we want to provide more clarity regarding the threat assessment process. Any perceived threats to our school environment are taken seriously and investigated completely. We never discount a possible threat due to the age of our students, and we strive to ensure that we maintain a safe and secure school environment. While there are often disciplinary aspects to the threat assessment process, our focus is on providing resources and services to help all students involved. You will always be notified if your child has made a threat, or is the recipient of a threat. All we ask of you is that you notify us immediately if you are aware of anything that might be concerning. Below, you will find a video for parents from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice.

Tri-Area will continue to operate our School-Based Health Clinic. While located at CCHS, students at GBES can access health services virtually as long as patient registration has been completed. Below, you will find a flyer attached, along with the patient registration form. Staff from Tri-Area Health will be on-site at Open House on Wednesday, August 5th to provide more information.

• Tues. 8/4 - Back to School Bash at CCHS from 4:00 - 7:00 (free school supplies, games, etc.)
• Wed. 8/5 - Open House from 12:00 - 6:00
• Fri. 8/7 - First Day of School for all GBES Students
• Wed. 8/26 - 2nd/3rd Grade Ag Day @ Carroll County Fair
• Wed. 8/26 - Fri. 8/28 - 4th Grade Swimming Program @ Carroll Wellness Center (every afternoon)
• Fri. 8/28 - 5th Grade Ag Day @ Carroll County Fair
• Fri. 9/4 - Mon. 9/7 - Schools Closed for Labor Day